SMU Mustangs

SMU wins Liberty bowl 21-14 over FAU

December 29, 2008

Game Report Posted: October 19, 2008 23:11  

This was SMU's first bowl game in 24 years, and fans were hoping for a win. It was close, but they delivered. Bob Smith is in Memphis with the game.

As the snow began to fall in Memorial Stadium, the players and the fans knew this would be a big game for the Mustangs of SMU.

In the first quarter, FAU started with the ball and had a few 1st downs but eventually turned over on downs. When SMU got the ball back, the first play for the offense was a 7 yard loss when Zach Rhodes was sacked. The offense would go three and out and punt back to FAU. This time FAU wouldn't disappoint and they got a TD by way of a 6 yard rush by Pierre. SMU got the ball back and was able to end the drive in a 20 yard field goal. FAU and SMU's next drives would stall, ending the quarter 7-3 FAU.

Starting the second quarter FAU had the ball and was able to finish off a nice drive started in the first with a 2 yard rush by Rose for the TD. SMU got the ball and immediately went 3 and out, and had to punt to FAU. FAU then went 3 and out themselves and punted back to SMU, who went 3 and out once again after 3 Rhodes incomplete passes. FAU would get the ball and drive down the field to the 6 yard line, where Leroy would miss an easy 23 yard FG. SMU got the ball back, but once again stalled and had to give the ball back. FAU got the ball back and went 3 and out and had to punt the ball back to SMU, who finally broke the habit of stalling and was able to pull within 12 by way of a 19 yard FG by Morstead as time expired in the 2nd. The score at the half was 14-6 FAU

The third quarter started and SMU got the ball. Then SMU started to show signs of life on offense. After a brilliant drive of short runs by HB Demyron Martin, SMU's 2 point conversion would fail. FAU got the ball back but fumbled on their second play giving the ball back to SMU as the quarter ended, leaving the score 14-12 SMU

The fourth quarter showed SMU having another great drive, again from runs from Martin. SMU's two point attempt would again fail. FAU got the ball back but their drive would stall after 5 plays and SMU got the ball back. Martin started to look like he would have another great drive but after two carries he strained his pectoral and would have to go out of the game for the day. Backup Mapps wasn't able to have the same success and SMU had to settle for a 50 yard FG by Morstead. FAU got the ball back with 1:37 left and on their own 27. They were never able to get anything going and an interception by Brian McCann sealed off the game 21-14 SMU.

It was a great season for SMU and they're hoping Coach Jacob Roberts can come back next year.

SMU: C-USA Champions; defeat ECU 35-7

December 13, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 07, 2008 17:28  

The SMU Mustangs are the 2008 Conference USA Champions. Bob Smith is in Dallas:

SMU has not won a conference championship since the now defunct Southwest Conference title in 1984. 24 long years. The wait is now over.

In the first quarter, SMU won the toss and deferred to the 2nd half, like always. ECU got the ball and SMU's defense held them to three and out. SMU got the ball and went three and out as well and punted; Morstead's incredible punt went out of bounds at the ECU 6 yard line. ECU's drive was cut short on the third play by an INT by captain Will Bonilla, who happened to be in the right place at the right time as a pass slipped off of QB Pinkney's hand. On SMU's next play they would score, with Rhodes hitting Zach Zimmerman on a 5 yard drag route. Zimmerman got 7 YAC yards, making the play a 12 yard TD pass. ECU would then get the ball back and they were having a very nice drive, when eventually SMU's defense held and the ball was given back to the Mustangs as the quarter ended, 7-0 SMU

The second quarter started with a bang. Zach Rhodes threw an interception to Hewett who ran back all the way for a TD. SMU's next drive would stall and the ball was given back to ECU. After sacking Pinkney for 9 yards, SMU got a INT TD of their own, this time coming from Pete Fleps who ran all the way back, having to dive at the end, which caused some controversy, because some did not think he was in. The refs decided that the tip of the ball had broken the plane just before he hit the ground and it was an SMU TD. In ECU's next drive the first play showed Pinkney getting picked off again, this time by safety Brian McCann. SMU's drive would end in a 1 yard rush by QB Zach Rhodes, on the QB sneak. ECU would get the ball again, only to be intercepted by Brian McCann again. SMU's drive again ended with another QB sneak by Rhodes for a TD, this one as time expired, leaving the score at the half, 28-7 SMU.

The third quarter would be more of a defensive quarter, starting out with SMU's drive stalling, and then after that, ECU's drive was ended by yet another pick. Rock Dennis broke many tackles and was just one tackle away from having a TD. It was all for naught though, because the very next play Zach Rhodes threw his second INT of the night, luckily it was not returned for a TD this time. ECU's drive would be cut short again, this time by another Pinkney INT, his 6th of the night, by safety Tyler Jones. SMU's drive went into the 4th quarter, ending the 3rd, 28-7.

The fourth quarter would show coach Jacob Roberts taking the 1st team out after the final TD of the night, a 1 yard pass from Rhodes to Zimmerman; this was their second passing TD together of the night. ECU almost had a scoring drive but was held on 4th down, just outside of their FG range. SMU got the ball and ran out the clock until 1 second remained, and then in what would only be done by Jacob Roberts SMU ran the hook and ladder. Zimmerman pitched it to Bailey, who with one less tackle would've gotten a TD; he was tackled on the 3 yard line. The final score was 35-7 SMU.

Congratulations to SMU and their C-USA Championship team.

Mustangs pulled it off; complete winning streak at 11 games; defeat USM Golden Eagles 38-7

November 29, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 06, 2008 14:00  

The SMU Mustangs have had a complete overhaul from last year's team. Here's Bob Smith.

As soon as Senior Day festivities were over, both teams came onto the field for some football, SMU was favored to win, and there would be no upset.

In the first quarter SMU's first drive stalled but the defense was also able to hold USM's offense. That left SMU with the chance to get the first TD in the game and the only TD in the quarter, on a 1 yard run by Senior FB Andrew McKinney, running over tacklers on his way in to make the score for the first 7-0 SMU

The second quarter started off with a drive by USM that SMU wouldn't forget, because it would be the last time they scored; this one was on a run by Floyd from 16 yards out juking defenders and spinning out of tackles for an earned TD. SMU was only able to get a 30 yard FG off the foot of Senior K Tyler Morstead in the first half of regulation, so the score at the half was 10-7 SMU

In the third quarter SMU's defense would hold USM every time, but their offensive was limited to only a TD, this time a nice screen pass from 8 yards out and Senior RB Demyron Martin found the endzone. The score at 3 was 17-7 SMU

The fourth quarter would again have no USM scores, the Mustangs defense, making sure of it. SMU would score three times this quarter. First they scored on another McKinney run, only 2 yards out from the goal. Next Demyron Martin was able to have a rushing TD, after he pounded it in from 2 yards as well. And then because it was Senior Day, after a drive down the field by the second team, Coach Jacob Roberts let Demyron Martin have 1 more TD on his field as time expired.

It was only fitting that every score made by the Mustangs was by a senior, and that PotG honors were given to a senior, Demyron Martin. SMU won 11 games in the regular season this year, and I'm sure that is how these seniors want to be remembered.

SMU wins 27-20 but still has problems at QB spot 3 INT

November 15, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 06, 2008 04:01  

SMU outlasted over UTEP in a close game. Bob Smith has the whole story.

College football is an unpredictable sport. Going into the 2nd quarter with an 0-0 score, everyone saw SMU march down the field in under a minute to score on a 9 yard touchdown pass from Rhodes to Vincent Chase. It seemed like a normal SMU game. This one would be closer than usual. After some drive stalls UTEP was eventually able to score on a 7 yard run by UTEP's QB Vittatoe, leaving the score tied at the half, 7-7

The third quarter started with UTEP scoring this time on a 23 yard FG by Martinez. SMU then quickly went down the field for another TD this time on a 45 yard pass from Rhodes to Henderson. In its anxiousness to get back in the game SMU decided to go for two after the TD. UTEP's defense held and the ball was kicked off. UTEP was able to eventually get a FG just as the quarter ended to make the score 13-13 still tied.

In the fourth quarter though, SMU's talent began to show in the form of Emmanuel Sanders. After another Vittatoe run for a TD. Emannuel sanders caught two TD passes, 1 on a 9 yard pass and the second to take the lead, and the game, on a 73 yard bomb from Rhodes. The final score was 27-20, closer than Coach Roberts, probably would've liked.

SMU's streak is at 9; defeats Memphis 38-17

November 8, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 06, 2008 01:25  

SMU wins another game, making some wonder: Why aren't they ranked? Here's Bob Smith

In the first quarter neither team would get a touchdown, both with fresh defenses and offenses testing the limits of the defense, but Memphis would get close enough once to get a FG off of a 36 yarder by Reagan; the score was 3-0 Memphis

The second quarter, like most games, was when SMU exploded. First Emmanuel Sanders caught a nice pass in the endzone after running a drag route on the line. Then Rhodes found Sanders again for a 29 yard TD this time. Memphis rallied after this score and was able to push the Mustang's defense around on their way to a 9 yard rushing TD. But SMU's offense always calm, cool, and collected, got another TD this time to Zimmerman running a simple out route in the endzone for a 2 yard TD pass, giving Rhodes 3 in the first half. The score at halftime was 21-10 SMU.

In the third quarter SMU showed again why they were a better team, by starting out with a drive ending in a 26 yard FG by Tyler Morstead, the senior kicker. By then, SMU had benched the starters, seeing no reason to risk an Injury in what was bound to be a win. Henderson caught his first TD pass of the day this time on a post route to the endzone, where backup QB Logan Turner hit him for 6. Next time another TD pass for SMU was recorded as TE Vincent Chase caught a 1 yard pass on a hitch in the endzone, leaving the score with one to go, 38-10 SMU.

In the fouth quarter, with the second team in, SMU was not able to score again and allowed Memphis to have another TD as a 'parting gift', making the final score, 38-17 SMU.

SMU's winning streak is now at 9 games, and they are ranked 26th in the coach's poll.

SMU accelerates their life. Life on the streak that is; shutsout Navy 28-0

October 25, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 05, 2008 03:56  

SMU came into this game with only one loss. They would go out unchanged. Bob Smith is in Annapolis.

The first quarter started with SMU's D holding the opposing offense to no score, as in many games this year. Unlike many games, SMU was unable to score in the 1st; another Rhodes INT ended a good looking drive; the score was 0-0.

The second quarter showed SMU's offense in its machine-like mode, methodically going down the field for a 4 yard rushign TD by Demyron Martin. Also SMU's defense showed it was part of the game by way of a fumble recory by safety Tyler Jones picking up a botched pitch and taking it to the house for 6, leaving the score @ the half, 14-0 SMU.

The third quarter showed more of the same, with an SMU TD first thing, by way of a 20 yard pass to Zimmerman, who ran out the next 23 yards for a TD. Then SMU intercepted a pass, but stalled on offense. But then another SMU interception sealed the game because this INT, by Deyon McElroy, was ran back 27 yards for a TD.

SMU benched the starters in the 4th and had an uneventful last quarter.

SMU is now on their 8th consecutive win, making them 8-1.

SMU is bowl eligible with comeback win over Houston, 26-20

October 18, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 04, 2008 22:26  

SMU is now bowl eligible after getting their 7th win against Houston in a wild comeback victory. Here's Bob Smith with the full story.

SMU is just about perfect in every way this season. Except QB Zach Rhodes keeps throwing INTs.

In the first quarter, neither offense could move the ball very well against the still fresh defenses. In the end Houston struck first, a sight not many SMU fans have seen this season, by way of a TD pass on a Ten yard strike to the endzone from B Joseph to WR Gilbert for 6. The score in the 1st was left 7-0 Houston.

In the 2nd quarter, Houston's offense would explode, with a TD and two FGs. First, Kohn ran into the endzone against SMU's goal line set. Then Houston's kicker, Bell, was able to get two FGs, one as time expired in the second half, making the score a shocking 20-0 Houston.

Coming into the second half, SMU need to score and shut Houston's offense down to win this game. SMU did just that scoring on two TDs by Demyron Martin, one on a 22 yard rush, and another on a 12 yard pass to the endzone from QB Zach Rhodes. Houston's offense could barely move, rattled by the crowd and SMU's defense. The score at the end of the 3rd was 20-16 Houston.

In the fourth quarter, SMU was able to take the lead with only 2:31 left on the clock after a 1 yard QB sneak by Zach Rhodes. Then with 15 seconds left, kicker Tyler Morstead was able to virtually seal the deal, by making the score 26-20 SMU. Houston was unable to get down the field to win, and SMU held on 26-20.

SMU is 7-1 after this shocker, and hopes to go back to the old ways in their next 5 games.

SMU pulls another conference win, defeating The Golden Hurricane 27-11

October 11, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 04, 2008 02:23  

Why so good this year? Coach Roberts must be doing something different, because now they've gone from 1-11 to 6-1 already. Bob Smith is back from his vacation and has the story.

SMU has improved vastly this year. Behind Rhodes' arm and Martin's feet they can do no wrong. This week they defeated the C-USA Conference leader.

The stands looked even more full this time; the fans responded to Coach Roberts' request to fill the seats. An uneventful 1st quarter was what the fans first saw today. No scores as the defenses and offenses felt each other out searching for weaknesses.

Demyron Martin had two TD's today; 1 rushing and 1 receiving, and both came in the second quarter after successful SMU drives. Tulsa was held to only a FG this quarter. The score was 14-3

The third quarter started; SMU was only able to get 1 good drive going when at the goal line FB Andrew McKinney ran it in for 6. The score at that point was 21-3.

Going into the fourth the undefeated Golden Hurricane knew that they had one last to win. They got a TD with 1:15 on the clock and converted for two points, leaving them only down by ten. Their onside kick was for no avail, and all hopes of going undefeated were dashed. SMU scored two more FGs after Tulsa's failure, making the score look even more lopsided than it really was.

After losing their first game and casting shadows of last year's 1-11 season, SMU is now on a streak of 6 wins and some are thinking they have a good chance to go to a bowl game, and with a lot of luck, top twenty.

SMU. Better than we thought? Defeat #24 UCF 49-14

October 4, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 03, 2008 22:44  

SMU has made their second big upset this year, this time against #24 UCF. Can the streak survive? and how long? Here is Jerrod Owens, filling in for Bob Smith, with the story.

Coming into their second game against a ranked oppenet this year SMU was 4-1. UCF was 4-0. Mostly everyone had picked UCF to win this game, being at home and fielding what most thought was a better team. But Coach Jacob Roberts and his SMU Mustangs is proving those "better teams" wrong.

The first quarter showed only one bit of action with SS Tyler Jones returning a Greco pass 39 yards to the house. This would be UCF's first pick 6 this game, and it would not be the last. Other points of interest this quarter was UCF's Phillip Smith fumbling the football, leaving the score 7-0 SMU.

When the Mustangs got the ball in the second quarter, the first thing they did was drive down the field and get a TD, by way of a nice pass from Rhodes leading Jessie Henderson who caught the ball then spun to avoid a defender and ran in untouched. The next time SMU got the ball, they again drove down the field and scored on a 21 yard option pitch run by Demyron Martin. After this Greco was intercepted again, this time by Jason Jackson. UCF would not let this go easily though, the next play being an interception by UCF's C. Houge. UCF got the ball again but was intercepted again, this time by CB David Haynes as time expired in the 2nd half, leaving the score 21-0 SMU.

SMU's first drive in the 3rd quarter would not be nearly as sucessful as the one in the 2nd. They were driving as usual but a INT by CB Joe Burnett off of a tip was returned 74 yards to the endzone, ending chances of an SMU shutout, and making the score for the 3rd 21-7 SMU. This would be the only quarter in which SMU was shutout, and in the 4th, they would redeem themselves.

In the fourth quarter SMU would have 4 TDs, UCF would have one, from a drive from their first team against SMU's second. SMU's second play in the 4th quarter was a 19 yard scramble from Zach Rhodes to the corner of the endzone, setting the pace for the last quarter of play. Next UCF's backup QB Joe Weatherford was picked off by CB Deyon McElroy for a 76 yard pick 6. Then McElroy did the unbelievable: had another pick 6, this time returning a Greco pass 66 yards to the house. Then after getting a UCF fumble, SMU scored again on a nice speed option resulting in backup RB Mapps getting a 33 yard rushing TD. UCF would then drive down the field against SMU's second team. SMU put the 1st team in to try to stop the score but by then it was too late as UCF pounded it in on the goal line. SMU got UCF's try for an onside, and was able to kneel the ball to end the game 49-14 SMU.

How many more games will SMU win? They are now 5-1 and have beaten two ranked opponents. SMU plays The Golden Hurricane next in Tulsa.

SMU wins conference game against Tulane 14-7

September 27, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 03, 2008 02:21  

SMU just got done winning their 4th consective winning game in a row a few minutes ago. Lets get the story from Bob Smith.

SMU's MLB Ryan Moczygemba said he would allow no more than 300 yards from Tulane, and he pulled through, but it was closer than SMU fans would've liked.

In the first quarter, after an uncharacteristic interception threw by Zach Rhodes, Tulane would strike first by way of a short pass to A. Anderson that turned into a 47 yard TD after he broke tackle after tackle from SMU defenders. SMU would not be outdone though, scoring a TD of their own by a beatiful pick 6 from CB Rock Dennis taken 35 yards to the house, leaving the score tied 7-7

SMU started out the 2nd quarter poorly by way of another Rhodes interception. Tulane's drives stalled this quarter and only SMU was allowed to score a TD because of a nice swing out pass to Aldrick Robinson who turned the corner and dove into the endzone, leaving the score at the half 14-7, where it would remain for the rest of the game.

The third quarter showed another Tulane drive stalling and SMU looked to capitalize. They were driving nicely down the field when on the Tulane 6 yard line a fumble by way of a botched reverse gave the ball back to Tulane. The score remained 14-7

Going into the fourth, Tulane knew they had one shot to win this game. After another Rhodes interception, Tulane looked to capitalize, driving all the way to SMU's 7 yard line. With their backs against the wall SMU's defense stepped up and made a goal line stand against the imposing Green Wave, giving their team the win and making them 1-1 in conference play.

SMU will play another conference game next week against the UCF Knights

SMU continues to turn heads; beats TCU 42-15

September 20, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 02, 2008 01:02  

SMU won again, making some think that this might be the season. Here's Bob Smith with the summary.

After WWII TCU and SMU started battling for the Iron Skillet representitive of a tough, no-nonsense, rivalry. Today SMU played a tough, no-nonsense game against TCU.

In the first quarter Zach Rhodes was feeling pretty good after a 54 yard pass to WR Jessie Henderson and a FG from Morstead to put the Mustangs ahead of rival TCU 10-0.

The second looked to be more of the same, after two TD passes from Rhodes to Zimmerman and Henderson respectively, Morstead would miss the XP after the Zimmerman TD. Would it have an effect on the game? Read on. After this TCU showed that they were alive by way of a kickoff return for 92 yards by WR Bryant and then converting a gutsy 2 point conversion. This left the half-time score 23-8 SMU

The third quarter would show 3 scores all from SMU, the first coming from a Morstead 36 yarder, then a 62 yard PR TD by Jessie Henderson to counter TCU's KR, and then a nice pass from Rhodes to Henderson for 6. Leaving the score after three, 39-8 SMU.

After the 3 quarter blowout, Coach Roberts decided to pull the starters, fearing injury for his hotstreak team. This caused SMU to simmer down and let TCU score their only offensive TD of the day. SMU also scored another 3 points on Morstead's leg by way of a beautiful 50 yarder. Final Score 42-15 SMU

SMU is 3-1, 0-1 Conference.

SMU gets the upset; #11 falls 17-14

September 6, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 01, 2008 20:32  

SMU pulled off a major upset tonight, knocking off heavy favorite Texas Tech. Here's Bob Smith with the full story.

After going 1-11 last season and opening this year with a loss to rival Rice, not many people had hope in SMU this year. This might just be the game to change their minds.

Coming into the game SMU thought they had a chance; if they could stop Harrell and Crabtree on offense, they knew they could suceed on offense behind the calm, collected Rhodes.

In the first quarter TTU won the toss and chose to recieve the ball. Michael Crabtree set what some thought would be the tone on the opening kickoff running 31 yards before someone could bring him down. In a surprisingly out of character drive for TTU, Harrell threw 3 incomplete passes in a row to give the ball back to SMU.

Getting the ball with about 60 yards of TT Turf to go would be intimidating to some players, but not Zach Rhodes and Demyron Martin, marching calmly down the field for a 4 1/2 minute drive down the field. Everytime it seemed TTU would get the ball back it would be either Rhodes slinging the ball down field or Martin running over a tackle to get to the chains. Then when everyone in the stadium expected a FG to make the score 3-0, Coach Roberts pulled a fast one and ran a fake FG with holder Logan Turner calmly running in untouched. After SMU's initial TD the rest of the quarter went uneventfully, ending the quarter 7-0 SMU.

The second quarter proved to be the time for TT to get a TD of their own after both teams held each other out of the end zone until 42 seconds were left in the half and TT was able to throw to a wide open James in the corner of the endzone, ending the half tied 7-7.

The third quarter was another defensive showcase from both teams, only SMU would score on a Field Goal midway through the quarter, leaving the score 10-7.

In the fourth the tiredness of both defenses showed a little as SMU was able to score on a nice 8 yard rush on what many thought would be the sealing TD of the game. But TTU still had some fight left in them and went to the end, Scoring a TD with only 27 seconds left on the clock, making the score 17-14 SMU. TTU tried for a Onside kick but the ball bounce carelessly to SMU's waiting hands team and all hopes of a comeback, and national championship dreams, were ended for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Final Score: 17-14 SMU Mustangs.

Mustangs show why FBS and FCS are separate defeating SDSU 91-0

August 30, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 01, 2008 17:02  

With the loss last week, let's see what the Mustangs did today. Here's Bob Smith:

Coming into the Stadium today, you could feel somthing in the air. It may not have been a sell out crowd, but you could tell the players were ready for action.

The Mustang defense was unstoppable, allowing only 32 yards of offense, 2 first downs, no redzone visits, and only one 3rd down conversion out of ten.

We will not go in depth into all the touchdowns in the game, but SMU scored early and often in this one. In the first quarter a rush by Martin and a Reverse by Henderson led to two SMU TDs ending the first 14-0

The second quarter was one of two scoring explosions by the Mustangs today with two TD passes from Rhodes, and two rushing TDs from Rhodes and Martin, ending the half 42-0

The third quarter had an even bigger explosion this time with 3 td passes from Rhodes, a 58 yard Martin run, and a pick 6 buy Rock dennis late in the third, ending the quarter 77-0

After losing starting MLB for 9 weeks late in the third Coach Roberts knew it was time to put in the second team. Our condolences go out to the team on their loss.

The fourth quarter had only two TDs on a pass and on a run. Final score SMU Mustangs 91 SDSU Aztecs 0

SMU is 1-1, 0-1 Conference

4th quarter explosion propels Owls over Mustangs 35-13

August 29, 2008

Game Report Posted: September 01, 2008 07:14  

It was a wild one in Houston tonight. Here's the scoring summary from our sideline reporter Bob Smith.

In the first quarter both teams were getting settled in and feeling each other out. It was a very uneventful quarter as only SMU scored on a 35 yard Morstead FG.

The second quarter had Rice retalliating quickly with a touchdown from a nice little pass from Clement and some nice footwork from Henderson to get a 54 yard TD pass.

But SMU would not be outdone, scoring a touchdown of their own on a nice connection from Rhodes to Mapps about 10 minutes later in regulation. the half ended with SMU on top 10-7

The third quarter was mostly a defensive showcase with only rice scoring a TD with about 3 to go in the third quarter, ending it 14-10 Rice.

That pass in the third quarter proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back, because when the fourth quarter started the flood gates opened with the Mustangs allowing 21 unanswered points go on the board. The first TD of the quarter came on a 3 yard run from Ugokwe after starting the quarter at SMU's goaline as the result of a nice drive in the 3rd. The second came from another Ugokwe run, this time from 5 yards out. Then on a nice way to end the game, Clement threw a beatiful pass that floated all the way down to the endzone to an open Dillard. SMU tried to get somthing going with 4 27 left on the clock but it was too much to do, not enough time and were held only to a FG. to end the game 35-13 Rice.